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Planning a road trip to Croatia - is it worth the long drive?

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Desislava_K
Joined:
09.09.2021
Posts: 391
Topic Starter
01.01.2025 22:59
My partner and I are considering driving down to Croatia from Germany this summer instead of flying. We really like the idea of having our own car to explore some of the more remote beaches and hidden spots along the Dalmatian coast. However, I'm a bit concerned about the traffic at the borders and the cost of tolls through Austria and Slovenia. Is the scenery along the way actually worth the extra time, or should we just fly and rent a car once we arrive? I'd love to hear from anyone who has done this trip recently regarding road conditions and parking availability.
18 replies in this topic
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Yulia_M
Joined:
18.12.2019
Posts: 1826
24.01.2025 02:56
We did this exact trip from Munich last year and honestly, the drive through the Alps is half the fun. Just make sure you get your vignettes for Austria and Slovenia in advance to save time.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
26.06.2021
Posts: 630
15.02.2025 19:51
In reply to a previous post
I totally agree with the first comment. The views through the Tauern Pass are breathtaking, definitely beats sitting in a cramped plane for 2 hours.
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Stasi_B
Joined:
31.05.2023
Posts: 2069
21.02.2025 11:33
Honestly? Just fly. By the time you pay for the vignettes, the Karawanken tunnel fee, and the ridiculous gas prices in Central Europe, you could have rented a nice convertible in Split.
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tech_geek_bg
Joined:
21.12.2020
Posts: 282
19.03.2025 01:17
Parking in the old towns like Split or Zadar is a total nightmare in July. If you do drive, make sure your accommodation has a guaranteed private spot or you'll spend half your holiday circling the block.
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otgovor_BG
Joined:
18.01.2025
Posts: 197
20.03.2025 21:06
In reply to a previous post
That's a very valid point about parking. I stayed in Hvar last summer and had to park nearly 2km away from our Airbnb because the streets were so narrow.
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Milos_S
Joined:
12.10.2024
Posts: 919
04.04.2025 12:16
In reply to a previous post
How long are you planning to stay? If it's less than ten days, the drive might feel like too much. If it's two weeks or more, having your own car is a game changer for reaching those quiet coves in Pelješac.
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Kevi_M
Joined:
28.11.2019
Posts: 1104
04.04.2025 13:22
Don't forget the 'hidden' costs. Slovenia's vignette is pretty expensive for such a short stretch of motorway, but you can't really avoid it unless you want to spend hours on backroads.
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Kras_T
Joined:
26.10.2022
Posts: 1539
22.06.2025 23:36
Whatever you do, do NOT travel on a Saturday. That's when all the holiday rentals switch over and the borders at Macelj can have 4-hour wait times.
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Alan_K
Joined:
15.12.2022
Posts: 877
11.08.2025 20:43
In reply to a previous post
I've heard the border situation is much better now that Croatia is in the Schengen area. Has anyone crossed recently to confirm?
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gost_nedelq
Joined:
02.04.2025
Posts: 181
03.09.2025 14:22
In reply to a previous post
Yes, I went three weeks ago! No more passport checks at the Slovenian border, which makes the trip significantly faster than it used to be.
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Martin_85
Joined:
26.04.2020
Posts: 1777
27.09.2025 08:04
The drive is worth it just for the flexibility. We found so many amazing spots between Zadar and Šibenik that we never would have seen if we'd relied on buses or expensive taxis.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
13.12.2023
Posts: 1236
29.09.2025 02:52
One thing to consider: car rental prices in Croatia have skyrocketed lately. Driving your own car might actually be cheaper now even with the tolls.
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BqlaVrana
Joined:
08.02.2025
Posts: 1061
31.10.2025 20:13
Check your brake pads before you go! Those mountain descents in the Velebit range can be pretty intense if you're not used to alpine driving.
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robert_d
Joined:
14.10.2023
Posts: 1548
05.11.2025 16:01
I did the drive from Frankfurt and it took about 12 hours with breaks. It's doable in a day if you have two drivers, but I'd recommend an overnight stop in Ljubljana.
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Viktoria_S
Joined:
25.12.2024
Posts: 1879
08.11.2025 17:39
In reply to a previous post
Ljubljana is a great shout. It's such a beautiful city to walk around for an evening before hitting the coast the next morning.
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Alisa_K
Joined:
25.07.2021
Posts: 1413
14.11.2025 01:55
Make sure you download the HAC ENC app if you plan on using the Croatian motorways a lot; it can save you a bit on the local tolls.
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Fari_P
Joined:
14.11.2020
Posts: 510
06.12.2025 21:36
In reply to a previous post
Is it worth the drive? 100%. The freedom to pack as much gear as you want (beach umbrellas, coolers, etc.) without worrying about luggage weight is priceless.
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vuprositel
Joined:
14.06.2022
Posts: 177
25.03.2026 03:12
Just watch out for the local drivers on the coastal road (Jadranska magistrala). They can be a bit... impatient with tourists taking in the views.

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